Skin/hair treatment technique

ABSTRACT

A method and system of conditioning human skin and hair using a hand-held skin/hair conditioner having interchangeable interface conductors that are contoured to enhance electrical conductivity between the conditioner and a variety of body areas. Each of the interchangeable interface conductors are preferably formed to maximize surface area contact with a variety of body surfaces such as scalp/hair, body skin, and facial skin. In a preferred embodiment, the skin/hair conditioner is formed to fit comfortably and controllably in a user&#39;s grasp while providing maximum contact with the selected body surface. The skin/hair conditioner includes an audio signal generator and a vibration mechanism to alert a user of a change in status of the conditioner. The interface conductors may be ( 1 ) smoothly rounded, ( 2 ) include teeth, ( 3 ) spherical or hemispherical ( 4 ) include multiple rounded nodules. The housings for the conditioner may be ( 1 ) elongated and somewhat flattened, ( 2 ) of elongated cylindrical shape, or ( 3 ) of a compact configuration similar to a door knob. The interface conductors and conditioning system may have a releasable latch, and spring arrangements for ejecting the interface conductor when the latch is released.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/268,401 filed Oct. 10, 2002.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] This invention relates to treatment of human skin and hair, andmore particularly to method and system of conditioning human skin andhair using a conditioner on it having interchangeable conducting headsand/or conditioner units selected for use in the treatment of selectedareas of the anatomy.

[0004] 2. Description of Related Art

[0005] A variety of methodologies have been pursued to improve humanskin treatments that enhance skin appearance. One particular treatmentincludes the application of safe, low-levels of current to human skin inconjunction with topical preparations such as skin cleansers andmoisturizers. Several hand-held devices have been used in the past toapply low-level electrical current to the skin.

[0006] For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,514,167 describes a hand holdableskin treatment apparatus that applies a small charge of electricalenergy to selected contours of the face and neck. The skin treatmentapparatus includes a housing containing a battery powered circuit. Apair of spaced apart electrical conductors are mounted on the exteriorof the housing. During operation, one of the conductors is in continuouscontact with the user's hand while the other conductor is horseshoeshaped and applied to the skin to be treated.

[0007] Another example is U.S. Pat. No. 6,119,038 that is directed to askin treatment system and method using a hand-held electric skin/hairconditioner, an alkaline pH pretreatment, and an acidic pH treatment.The hand-held conditioner includes a housing containing electricalcircuitry including a microprocessor and a rechargeable battery, analphanumeric display coupled with the microprocessor, and two externalbroad area conductive electrodes connected to the circuitry. Thetreatment unit also includes recharging terminals for use with arecharger assembly. One of the electrodes, a hand-engaging electrode, isadapted to be in continuous contact with a user's hand during use, andthe other electrode, a skin electrode, is adapted to apply electricalcurrent to the skin of the user. The method includes applying thepretreatment to clean skin, holding the skin electrode to the cheek,moving the skin electrode over the skin to be treated while transmittingnegative and positive current flow, washing the treated skin, applyingthe treatment to the skin, and moving the skin electrode over the skinto be treated.

[0008] Although the aforementioned skin treatment devices are useful forapplications to facial skin, treatment of other areas of the body, suchas scalp/hair and body skin, is desirable. Numerous health care andbeauty care products have been developed for facial skin therapy, butmany products have also been developed for application to other areas ofthe body. What is needed is a skin/hair treatment unit for use with avariety of body surfaces such as scalp/hair, body skin, and facial skin.Additionally needed is a skin/hair treatment unit having a hand engagingelectrode that is optimally positioned to enhance conductivity to theface skin, body skin, and scalp/hair. Further needed is a skin/hairtreatment system with a treatment unit having simple and easyinterchangeable interfaces to address a variety of body surfaces.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] An object of this invention is to provide a skin/hair treatmentunit for use with a variety of body surfaces such as scalp/hair, bodyskin, and facial skin.

[0010] Another object of this invention is to provide a skin/hairtreatment unit having a hand engaging electrode that is optimallypositioned to enhance conductivity to the face skin, body skin, andscalp/hair.

[0011] A further object of this invention is to provide a skin/hairtreatment system with a treatment unit having simple and easyinterchangeable interfaces to address a variety of body surfaces.

[0012] A more particular object of this invention is to provide askin/hair treatment system having a hand-held treatment unit withinterchangeable interface conductors, each of which are optimally shapedfor use with a variety of body surfaces.

[0013] Another more particular object of this invention is to provide askin/hair treatment system having a hand-held treatment unit with deviceergonomics that increase the ability of the user to adequately hold theunit under various adverse conditions.

[0014] Another object of this invention is to provide a skin/hairtreatment method for application to a variety of body surfaces includingbody skin, scalp/hair, and facial skin.

[0015] These and other objects of the invention are accomplished byproviding a hand-held skin/hair conditioner having at least oneinterchangeable interface conductor that is attachable to theconditioner and electrically coupled with the conditioner. The skin/hairconditioner also includes a housing having a front end and ahand-engaging surface, a front end electrode connected to the front endof the housing, a hand-engaging electrode connected to the hand-engagingsurface of the housing, a power source contained within the housing, anelectrical system connected to the power source, the hand-engagingelectrode, and the front electrode for controlling current supplied tothe hand-engaging electrode and the front end electrode.

[0016] These and other objects of the invention are also accomplished byproviding a skin/hair conditioning system having a topical water-basedpretreatment preparation with negatively charged ions, a topicalwater-based treatment preparation with positively charged ions, and theaforementioned hand-held skin/hair conditioner.

[0017] These and other objects of the invention are also accomplished byproviding a method of conditioning human skin/hair by selecting aninterchangeable interface conductor for a hand-held conditioner based onan application to a body area, pretreating the body area with anegatively charged ionic pretreatment preparation, operate the hand-heldconditioner in contact with the pretreatment preparation and the bodyarea, removing the pretreatment preparation, treating the body area witha positively charged ionic treatment preparation, operating thehand-held conditioner in contact with the treatment preparation and thebody area and removing excess acidic treatment, if necessary.

[0018] Other shortcomings and differences between the present inventionand the prior art including the Henley U.S. Pat. No. 5,879,323 and theLathrop U.S. Pat. No. 5,607,461, include (1) the location of the handelectrode toward the middle of the unit, (2) the Lathrop device has nohand electrode and the electric current merely flows between the twoelectrodes, (3) the lack of broad area smoothly rounded electrodes for(4) massaging the applicator electrode over an extended area of the hairor skin, (5) selectively providing positive or negative current flow,(6) selecting lotions, creams or gel to match the selected area of theanatomy and the applicator electrode, and (7) the system includesarrangements for matching the electrical current flow, polarity, andtreatment time for the selected area to be treated.

[0019] A key element of any skin treatment is deep penetration. By thepresent invention our skin conditioner assembly achieves this desireddeep penetration by the following: (A) Mechanical compatibility betweenthe applicator electrode configuration and the area of the body to betreated. (B) Electrical current flow through the body and through thetreatment area, which current flow carries the treatment material deepinto the skin. (C) Interchangeable applicator electrodes with differentconfigurations, so that a single basic unit may provide mechanical andelectrical compatibility with the part of the body selected fortreatment.

[0020] It may also be noted that the housing or an overall configurationof the galvanic treatment unit may take different forms particularlyadapted for treatment of different parts of the body. Thus, the unitshown in FIGS. 1 through 4 and 6 is somewhat flattened and elongated;the form of the unit of FIGS. 10 and 11 is cylindrical; and that of theunit of FIGS. 13 and 14 is of a flattened oval configuration somewhatresembling a door knob.

[0021] Accordingly, the multi-purpose functionality provides acompletely novel system with many factors coordinated toward theselected treatment area, including the shape of the conditioning unit,the conforming electrode configuration, the direction of body currentflow, timing, type of treatment lotion, cream or gel, all conforming tothe desired type of treatment and selected treatment area of theanatomy.

[0022] Other objects, features and advantages of the invention willbecome apparent for a consideration of the following detaileddescription, and from the associated drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023]FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a skin/hair conditioning systemin accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0024]FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the skin/hair conditioner with aninterchangeable interface conductor in accordance with the presentinvention;

[0025]FIG. 2A is a top view of a skin/hair conditioner with a standardinterface conductor 50 attached thereto in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention;

[0026]FIG. 2B is a side view of the skin/hair conditioner shown in FIG.2A;

[0027]FIG. 2C is a bottom view of the skin/hair conditioner shown inFIG. 2A;

[0028]FIG. 3A is a top view of a skin/hair conditioner with a hairinterface conductor attached thereto in accordance with one embodimentof the present invention;

[0029]FIG. 3B is a side view of the skin/hair conditioner shown in FIG.3A;

[0030]FIG. 3C is a bottom view of the skin/hair conditioner shown inFIG. 3A;

[0031]FIG. 4A is a top view of a skin/hair conditioner with amulti-surface interface conductor attached thereto in accordance withone embodiment of the present invention;

[0032]FIG. 4B is a side view of the skin/hair conditioner shown in FIG.4A;

[0033]FIG. 4C is a bottom view of the skin/hair conditioner shown inFIG. 4A;

[0034]FIG. 5 is a block schematic diagram of an electrical system inaccordance with the present invention;

[0035]FIG. 6 is a front view of one side of the conditioner, showing theretractable latch and the spring-loaded quick release construction;

[0036]FIG. 7 is a view of the other side of the unit with the releasebutton area shown;

[0037]FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C are cut-away views of the interface conductorsor applicators with the inner guide pins and latch recess shown;

[0038]FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken in centrallongitudinal plane of FIG. 6;

[0039]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of theinvention;

[0040]FIG. 11 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 10;

[0041]FIG. 12 shows a hemispherical electrode or interface conductorwhich may be substituted for the interface conductor of FIGS. 10 and 11;

[0042]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another embodiment of theinvention in which a broad area electrode is employed;

[0043]FIG. 14 is a side view of the unit shown in FIG. 13;

[0044]FIG. 15 is a view from the electrode side of the unit of FIG. 13;and

[0045]FIG. 16 is a side view of an alternative electrode or interfaceconductor which may be used with the basic unit of FIG. 13, andsubstituted for the electrode shown in FIG. 15.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0046] While the specification describes particular embodiments of thepresent invention, those of ordinary skill can devise variations of thepresent invention without departing from the inventive concept.

[0047] The invention is a method and system of conditioning human skinand hair using a hand-held skin/hair conditioner having interchangeableinterface conductors that are contoured to enhance electricalconductivity between the conditioner and a variety of body areas. Eachof the interchangeable interface conductors is preferably formed tomaximize surface area contact with a variety of body surfaces such asscalp/hair, body skin, and facial skin. In a preferred embodiment, theskin/hair conditioner is formed to fit comfortably and controllably in auser's grasp and includes tactile surfaces to further assist the user'sgrasp of the skin/hair conditioner under a variety of environments.

[0048] Referring more particularly to the drawings, FIG. 1 is aperspective view of a skin/hair conditioning system, shown generally at20, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In thisembodiment, the skin/hair conditioning system 20 includes a rechargerassembly 22, 24, 26 and stand 28 for cradling the skin/hair conditioner30 described in greater detail below. Alternatively, the skin/hairconditioner 30 contains a disposable non-rechargeable battery for apower source. The conditioning system 20 includes a pretreatment 82, atreatment 84, and the skin/hair conditioner 30 having interchangeableinterface conductors 48, 50, 60, 70 (respectively FIGS. 1, 2A-2C, 3A-3C,4A-4C) for use on a variety of body surfaces.

[0049] The interface conductors 48, 50, 60, 70 are removably attachableto the skin/hair conditioner 30 such that the user simply selects andattaches a specific interface conductor depending on a particular bodysurface to operate the skin/hair conditioner 30. To change operation ofthe skin/hair conditioner 30 in response to a different body surface,the user detaches the selected interface conductor, selects anappropriate interface conductor for the different body surface, andattaches the selected interface conductor to the skin/hair conditioner30.

[0050] The skin/hair conditioning system 20 may include a porous medium51 that is interposed between the skin/hair conditioner 30 and a bodysurface during operation of the skin/hair conditioner. The porous mediumenhances efficacy of the pretreatment or treatment preparation asapplied to the body surfaces. In particular, the porous medium assistsin evenly distributing the pretreatment and treatment preparation whileadditionally assisting in maintaining moisturization of the preparation.One example of a porous medium is conventional gauze.

[0051] The skin/hair conditioner 30 includes a housing 32 having a frontend, shown generally at 34, and a finger-engaging surface, showngenerally at 36, a front end electrode 38 connected to the front end 34of the housing 32, a hand-engaging electrode 41 connected to thehand-engaging surface 36 of the housing 32, a power source 72 (FIG. 5)contained within a rear portion 40 the housing 32, an electrical system170 (FIG. 5) contained within the housing 32 and connected to the powersource 172, the hand-engaging electrode 41, and the front end electrode38, and the aforementioned interface conductor 48, 50, 60, 70. Theinterface conductor 48, 50, 60, 70 is removably attachable andelectrically connectable to the front end electrode 38. Although theinterface conductor 48, 50, 60, 70 is described as attachable to thefront end electrode 38, the interface conductor and front end electrode38 may be coupled as a united component 38/48 that is together removablyattachable to the skin/hair conditioner 30 at the front end 34 of thehousing 32.

[0052] The skin/hair conditioner 30 may additionally include analphanumeric display 52 and a selection switch 54. The display 52 ispreferably a liquid crystal display (LCD) that is positioned on thehousing 32 and connected to electrical system 170 and the power source172 such that the electrical system transmits conductor stateinformation via the display 52. The selection switch 54 is positioned onthe housing 32 and coupled with the electrical system 70. The switch 54allows the user to operate the skin/hair conditioner 30 in variousmodes, described in greater detail below.

[0053] As best shown in FIG. 1A, the hand-engaging surface 36 is locatedon a bottom surface of the housing 32, and the front end 34 is locatedat an end of the housing 32. On the surface of the housing 32, a rubbergrip portion may be provided to enable the user to better grasp theskin/hair conditioner 30. A peripheral rubber seal may also beincorporated with the housing 32 to make the housing watertight.

[0054] As previously mentioned, interchangeable interface conductors 48,50, 60, 70 are removably attachable to the front end electrode 38. Eachinterface conductor includes a coupling portion connectable to the frontend electrode 38 and an interface portion positioned adjacent thecoupling portion as best shown FIGS. 2A-2C, 3A-3C, and 4A-4C, andfurther described below.

[0055]FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the skin/hair conditioner 30 withan interchangeable interface conductor 90 in accordance with the presentinvention. The conditioner 30 also includes a securing device thatallows for temporary attachment of the interface conductor to theconditioner 30. The securing device preferably includes an insertingportion and a receiving portion that is formed to mate with theinserting portion. In one embodiment, the inserting portion is formedwith the coupling portion of the interface conductor, and the receivingportion that is formed with the front end 34 of the housing 32.Alternatively, the inserting portion is formed with the front end 34 ofthe housing 32, and the receiving portion is formed with the interfaceconductor. For example, the securing device may be a tongue and grooveconfiguration in which the tongue extends from the coupling portion ofthe interface conductor and the groove is formed on the front end 34 ofthe housing 32. When the interface conductor is attached to theconditioner, the groove receives and temporarily retains the tongue.Another example of the securing device is a depressible latch and slot,shown generally at 56. Those skilled in the relevant art will appreciatethat numerous alternative conventional securing mechanisms not describedherein may be employed to removably attach the interface conductor tothe conditioner 30.

[0056]FIG. 2A is a top view of a skin/hair conditioner 30 with astandard interface conductor 50 attached thereto in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2B is a side view of theskin/hair conditioner 30 shown in FIG. 2A. FIG. 2C is a bottom view ofthe skin/hair conditioner 30 shown in FIG. 2A. The standard interfaceconductor 50 is formed for use on facial skin surfaces.

[0057]FIG. 3A is a top view of a skin/hair conditioner 30 with a hairinterface conductor 60 attached thereto in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3B is a side view of theskin/hair conditioner 30 shown in FIG. 3A. FIG. 3C is a bottom view ofthe skin/hair conditioner 30 shown in FIG. 3A. The hair interfaceconductor 60 is formed for use on the user's scalp and hair, andpreferably includes teeth formed on the interface portion of theconductor 60, shown generally at 62, that are adapted to maximizecontact of the hair interface conductor 60 with the scalp and hair.

[0058]FIG. 4A is a top view of a skin/hair conditioner 30 with amulti-surface interface conductor 70 attached thereto in accordance withone embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4B is a side view of theskin/hair conditioner 30 shown in FIG. 4A. FIG. 4C is a bottom view ofthe skin/hair conditioner 30 shown in FIG. 4A. The multi-surfaceinterface conductor 70 is formed for use on various body skin surfaces,such as arms, legs, chest, and back. Body skin surfaces tend to vary incontour in comparison with facial surfaces that are relatively flat. Ina preferred embodiment, the multi-surface interface conductor 70includes a pair of round nodules 72, 74 that are separated by adepression 76. The nodules 72, 74 are formed on the interface portion ofthe conductor 70 to address a variety of skin surface contours on thebody and thus provide maximum contact of the conductor 70 against thebody skin surfaces.

[0059] The interchangeable interface conductors 48, 50, 60, 70, as shownin FIGS. 2A-2C, 3A-3C, and 4A-4C, are preferred embodiments of interfaceconductors that may be used with the skin/hair conditioner 30. Otherconductors having the same coupling portion but differently shapedinterface portions are connectable to the front end electrode 38 of theconditioner 30.

[0060] The skin/hair conditioner 30 provides two skin treatment modes,including a PRETREAT MODE and a TREAT MODE. The pretreatment process isan anaphoresis process where a negative-to-positive current is used toinduce a topical pretreatment preparation having negatively charged ionsinto the skin/hair to open pores and deeply cleanse/condition theskin/hair. Prior to operating the conditioner 30 in PRETREAT MODE, theuser should first thoroughly clean the skin/hair portion where the userwishes to apply the skin treatment, such as the user's face, and thenapply the water-based pretreatment to the skin portion. A pH level isused in expressing both acidity and alkalinity on a scale whose valuesrun from 0 to 14 with 7 representing neutrality, numbers less 7representing increasing acidity, and numbers greater than 7 representingincreasing alkalinity. The pretreatment preparation may be alkaline witha preferred pH level of approximately 8. However, the pH level of thepretreatment may be in the general range from about 7 to about 9 or 10.After applying the pretreatment preparation to the skin portion, theuser should then pick up the skin/hair conditioner 30 that is currentlyturned off or in OFF MODE, press the switch 54 to put the conditioner 30in PRETREAT MODE, and hold the conditioner 30 to the skin portion to betreated such that the interface conductor contacts the skin. As the userapplies the conditioner 30 to the skin portion, a negative-to-positivecurrent is applied to the skin.

[0061] On the other hand, the treatment process is a cataphoresisprocess where a positive-to-negative current is used to induce a topicaltreatment preparation having positively charged ions into the skin/hairto close pores and deeply moisturize/condition the skin/hair. Thetreatment preparation may be acidic with a preferred pH level ofapproximately 6. However, the pH level may generally in the range ofabout 4 or 5 to about 7. Prior to using the skin/hair conditioner 30 inTREAT MODE, the user should have applied the treatment preparation tothe skin portion to be treated. Then the user should put the conditioner30 in TREAT MODE, and apply the conditioner 30 to the skin portion suchthat the interface conductor contacts the skin. As the user applies theconditioner 30 to the skin portion, a positive-to-negative current isapplied to the skin.

[0062]FIG. 5 is a block schematic diagram showing the electrical system170 in accordance with the present invention. As previously mentioned,the electrical system 170 is connected to the power source 172, thehand-engaging surface electrode 174, the front end electrode 176, andthe interchangeable interface conductor 178. Additionally, as previouslymentioned, the display 184 is connected to the electrical system 170 andthe power source 172 such that the electrical system transmits conductorstate information via the display 184. The electrical system 170controls current supplied to the hand-engaging surface electrode 174 andthe front end electrode 176 and includes a printed circuit board (PCB)mounted within the housing 32 of the conditioner 30. The PCB has amicroprocessor mounted thereon for executing a software program thatinterfaces with electronic circuitry to provide various functions ormodes of operations of the conditioner 30. The microprocessor, thesoftware program, the electronic circuitry, and the various modes ofoperations are described in greater detail below. During operation ofthe skin/hair conditioner 30, an electrical circuit is completed thatroutes from the conditioner through the front end electrode 38, throughthe interface conductor (which is moved over the face or other skin/hairtreatment area), through the body of the user, and back through thehand-engaging surface electrode 40 to the conditioner.

[0063] The microprocessor is preferably fabricated on a single microchipalong with readonly memory (ROM) and random-access memory (RAM)associated therewith. In one embodiment, a 4-bit microprocessor is used.However, the data capability of the microprocessor is not critical tothe operation of the conditioner, and any conventional microprocessorproviding similar functions may generally be used. The microprocessorexecutes the software program stored in the ROM to interface with otherhardware components of the electrical system 170 and provide variousfunctions or modes of operations.

[0064] The power source 172 of the skin/hair conditioner 30 ispreferably a disposable, nonrechargeable battery. The disposable batteryis housed in the rear portion 40 of the housing 32 and may be selectedfrom conventional batteries including, but not limited to, alkaline,carbon zinc, lithium, and nickel metal hydride. Additionally, themicroprocessor is connected to a low battery detection circuitry. Whenthe microprocessor detects that the battery is low, the microprocessorinforms the user by displaying a blinking legend “LOW BATTERY” on thedisplay 52.

[0065] The electrical system also includes a skin detection circuitryand an interface conductor circuitry. When the user properly holds theskin/hair conditioner 30 to the skin portion to be treated, themicroprocessor indicates that there is sufficient contact between theskin/hair conditioner 30 and the skin of the user. Depending on theselected interface conductor, the interface conductor circuitrydetermines a conductor-specific operation of the skin/hair conditioner30. For example, when the hair interface conductor 60 is coupled to theskin/hair conditioner 30, the interface conductor circuitry confirmsthat the hair interface conductor 60 is coupled to the skin/hairconditioner 30 and initiates a corresponding mode of operation orsequence of modes of operation.

[0066] To assist the user with determining the operation mode or statusof the skin/hair conditioner 30, a vibration mechanism 180 and an audiosignal generator 182 may be electrically coupled with the microprocessorof the electrical system 170. The vibration mechanism 180 is preferablyactivated when the skin/hair conditioner 30 in operated in PRETREAT MODEor TREATMENT MODE to alert the user that the conditioner is working. Theaudio signal generator 182 provides a brief audible tone to indicate tothe user a change in operation mode of the skin/hair conditioner 30. Forexample, the audio signal generator may sound a tone when the PRETREATMODE is activated. The type or frequency of the tone generated by theaudio signal generator is not critical to the operation of the skin/hairconditioner 30, and various types of tones or sequences of tones may beused to indicate a change in status of the skin/hair conditioner 30.

[0067] The electrical system also includes a mechanism, a skinresistance circuitry, to sense moisture or resistance on the skin and tofeed the result back to the microprocessor. The main principle adoptedis that a lower level of moisture or a higher level of resistanceresults in a higher voltage level in the system. Therefore, the skinresistance circuitry measures the voltage level at key points in thesystem to determine the level of skin moisture or resistance. Oncesupplied with information about the skin moisture or resistance, themicroprocessor may appropriately adjust the current level to maintain aconstant output of power (P=I² R), and thereby avoid shocking userswhose skins have a higher level of moisture or resistance.

[0068] As stated above, the exemplary skin/hair conditioner 30 providestwo skin treatment modes, including PRETREAT MODE and a TREATMENT MODE.Prior to selecting the PRETREAT MODE, the user should first thoroughlyclean a skin portion where the user wishes to apply the skin treatment,and then apply the water-based, pretreatment preparation to the skinportion. After applying the pretreatment preparation to the skinportion, the user should then pick up the conditioner 30 that iscurrently turned off or in OFF MODE, press the switch 54, and hold theconditioner 30 to the skin portion to be treated such that the interfaceconductor contacts the skin.

[0069] The pressing of the switch 54 takes the skin/hair conditioner 30from the OFF MODE to the PRETREAT MODE. Upon entering PRETREAT MODE, themicroprocessor turns on the conditioner 30, sets the current flow andthe voltage control to low, establishes the current flow polarity fromnegative to positive, and indicates to the hardware to step up thevoltage. Then the conditioner 30 displays the legend “PRETREAT ANALYZE”on the alphanumeric display 26, resets a timer that is used to monitor atime out interval and application duration, and proceeds to detect thelevel of skin moisture.

[0070] However, if the user fails to properly hold the skin/hairconditioner 30 to the skin portion, the conditioner 30 will turn offafter a predetermined time out period. The preferred predetermined timeout interval is approximately ten minutes. However, the interval maygenerally be in the range of about five to fifteen minutes. The purposeof having an automatic time out is to conserve power when the skin/hairconditioner 30 is not in use and to prevent having to replace thebattery too frequently.

[0071] During the predetermined time-out period, the skin/hairconditioner 30 continuously monitors whether the user properly holds theskin/hair conditioner 30 to the skin portion to be treated, whether thebattery is low, whether the recharger assembly 22, 24, 26 is attached,and whether the switch 54 is pressed. Although the recharger assembly22, 24, 26 is used in conjunction with rechargeable batteries, therecharger assembly 22, 24, 26 may also operate as an a.c. to d.c.converted power source for the skin/hair conditioner 30. If the batteryis low, the skin/hair conditioner 30 automatically enters LOBATT MODE.In one embodiment using a rechargeable battery, if the battery is notlow but the recharger assembly 22, 24, 26 is attached, the skin/hairconditioner 30 is put in CHARGE MODE. If the battery is not low and theswitch 54 is pressed, the skin/hair conditioner 30 is put in TREAT MODE.

[0072] If the user properly holds the skin/hair conditioner 30 to theskin portion to be treated, the skin/hair conditioner 30 automaticallyselects one of a plurality of current levels depending upon the level ofskin moisture detected. In the preferred embodiment, there are threecurrent levels, including LOW, MEDIUM, or HIGH. The preferred LOWcurrent level is approximately 0.25 mA (milliamp or a thousandth of anamp); the preferred MEDIUM current level is approximately 0.375 mA; andthe preferred HIGH current level is approximately 0.5 mA. However, thesecurrent levels may be continuously varied and may generally be in therange from about 0.01 mA to about 1.0 mA. Furthermore, the MEDIUMcurrent level is used as the preferred default current level. After thecurrent level is selected, the audio signal generator, such as a buzzer,is sounded once for LOW, twice for MID, and thrice for HIGH.

[0073] When the legend “PRETREAT IN PROGRESS” is indicated on thedisplay 52, the user should apply the skin/hair conditioner 30 to theskin portion to be treated by moving the conditioner 30 over all areasof the skin portion for a predetermined application duration. Thepreferred predetermined application duration is approximately threeminutes; however, the application duration may be in the general rangeof about one to twenty-five minutes. During the predeterminedapplication duration, the conditioner 30 continuously monitors whetherthe switch 54 is pressed, whether the battery is low, whether therecharger assembly 22, 24, 26 is attached to the conditioner 30, andwhether the application duration has expired. If the switch 54 ispressed, the conditioner 30 enters TREAT MODE. If the switch 54 is notpressed and the battery is low, the conditioner 30 enters LOBATT MODE.In the rechargeable battery embodiment, if the switch 54 is not pressed,the battery is not low, and the recharger assembly 22, 24, 26 isattached, the skin/hair conditioner 30 enters CHARGE MODE.

[0074] When the predetermined application duration expires, theconditioner 30 enters PRETREAT DONE MODE. In PRETREAT DONE MODE, theskin/hair conditioner 30 first goes into a PAUSE state where the currentflow, the voltage control, and the polarity are all set to low. Theskin/hair conditioner 30 then sounds the buzzer twice to notify the userthat the application duration has expired, and resets a clock that isused to keep track of the time out interval and the applicationduration. While in PRETREAT DONE MODE, the skin/hair conditioner 30enters OFF MODE to shut off if the user fails to press the switch 54within the predetermined time out interval. Also, during thepredetermined time out interval, the skin/hair conditioner 30continuously monitors whether the switch 54 is pressed, whether thebattery is low, whether the recharger assembly 22, 24, 26 is attached,and whether the predetermined time out interval has expired. If theswitch 54 is not pressed and the battery is low, the skin/hairconditioner 30 enters LOBATT MODE. In the rechargeable batteryembodiment, if the switch 54 is not pressed, the battery is not low, andthe recharger assembly 22, 24, 26 is attached, the skin/hair conditioner30 enters CHARGE MODE. If the switch 54 is pressed, the skin/hairconditioner 30 enters TREATMENT MODE.

[0075] As previously mentioned above, the moisturizing process is acataphoresis process where an acid pH treatment is induced into the skinto close pores and deeply moisturize the skin. Prior to using theskin/hair conditioner 30 in TREATMENT MODE, the user should have appliedan acidic pH treatment to the skin portion to be treated. Then the usershould put the skin/hair conditioner 30 in TREATMENT MODE, and apply theconditioner 30 to the skin portion such that the interface conductorcontacts the skin.

[0076] When the skin/hair conditioner 30 is put in TREATMENT MODE, themicroprocessor turns on the conditioner 30, sets the current flow andthe voltage control to low, and establishes the current flow polarityfrom positive to negative. Furthermore, the skin/hair conditioner 30displays the legend “TREATMENT ANALYZE” on the alphanumeric display 52,resets the timer which is used to keep track of the time out intervaland the application duration, and proceeds to detect the level of skinmoisture.

[0077] However, if the user fails to properly hold the skin/hairconditioner 30 to the skin portion to be treated, the conditioner 30turns off after the predetermined time out interval. During thepredetermined time out interval, the skin/hair conditioner 30continuously monitors whether the conditioner 30 is held to the skinportion to be treated, whether the battery is low, whether the rechargerassembly 22, 24, 26 is attached, and whether the switch 54 is pressed.If the battery is low, the conditioner 30 automatically enters LOBATTMODE. In the rechargeable embodiment, if the battery is not low and therecharger assembly 22, 24, 26 is attached, the skin/hair conditioner 30enters CHARGE MODE. If the battery is not low, the recharger assembly22, 24, 26 is not attached, and the switch 54 is pressed, the skin/hairconditioner 30 enters OFF MODE when the predetermined time out intervalexpires.

[0078] If the user properly holds the skin/hair conditioner 30 to theskin portion to be treated, the conditioner 30 automatically selects oneof a plurality of current levels depending upon the level of skinmoisture and resistance detected. As noted above, the preferredembodiment has three current levels, including LOW, MEDIUM, or HIGH.Furthermore, the MEDIUM current level is used as the preferred defaultcurrent level.

[0079] When the skin/hair conditioner 30 displays the legend “TREATMENTIN PROGRESS” on the display 52, the user should then apply the skin/hairconditioner 30 to the skin portion to be treated by moving theconditioner 30 over all areas of the skin portion for a predeterminedapplication duration. During the predetermined application duration, theconditioner 30 continuously monitors whether the switch 54 is pressed,whether the battery is low, whether the recharger assembly 22, 24, 26 isattached to the conditioner 30, and whether the application duration hasexpired. If the switch 54 is pressed, the conditioner 30 enters OFFMODE. If the battery is low, the skin/hair conditioner 30 enters LOBATTMODE. In the rechargeable embodiment, if the battery is not low and therecharger assembly 22, 24, 26 is attached, the conditioner 30 entersCHARGE MODE.

[0080] When the predetermined application duration expires, theskin/hair conditioner 30 enters TREATMENT DONE mode. Upon entering theTREATMENT DONE MODE, the skin/hair conditioner 30 first enters a PAUSEstate where the current flow, the voltage control, and the polarity areall set to low. While in TREATMENT DONE MODE, the skin/hair conditioner30 enters OFF MODE to shut off if the user fails to press the switch 54within the predetermined time out interval. During the predeterminedtime out interval, the skin/hair conditioner 30 continuously monitorswhether the battery is low, whether the recharger assembly 22, 24, 26 isattached, and whether the switch 54 is pressed. If the battery is low,the skin/hair conditioner 30 automatically enters LOBATT MODE. In therechargeable embodiment, if the battery is not low but the rechargerassembly 22, 24, 26 is attached, the skin/hair conditioner 30automatically enters CHARGE MODE. If the battery is not low, therecharger assembly 22, 24, 26 is not attached, and the switch 54 ispressed, the skin/hair conditioner 30 enters OFF MODE.

[0081] All capacitors in the electronic circuitry of the skin/hairconditioner 30 are discharged when the unit 14 is put in OFF MODE. Thenthe voltage control is set to low, the polarity is set to high, and thevoltage is stepped down. Following a delay of approximately 188 MS(milli-second or a thousandth of a second), the skin/hair conditioner 30is put in an IDLE state where the voltage control, the polarity, and thecurrent level are set to low. A battery clock is then disabled, and thealphanumeric display 52 is blanked. Even in OFF MODE, the conditioner 30still continuously monitors whether the switch 54 is pressed, whetherthe battery is low, and whether the recharger assembly 22, 24, 26 isattached. If the switch 54 is pressed, the conditioner 30 switches fromOFF MODE to PRETREAT MODE. If the switch 54 is not pressed and thebattery is low, the conditioner 30 enters LOBATT MODE. In therechargeable embodiment, if the switch 54 is not pressed, the battery isnot low, and the recharger assembly 22, 24, 26 is attached, theconditioner 30 enters CHARGE MODE.

[0082] Upon entering LOBATT MODE, the conditioner 30 is turned off, andthe current level, the voltage control, and the polarity are set to low.A blinking legend “LOW BATTERY” appears on the alphanumeric display 52.Then the conditioner 30 monitors whether the recharger assembly 22, 24,26 is attached. In the rechargeable embodiment, if the rechargerassembly 22, 24, 26 is attached, the conditioner 30 enters CHARGE MODE.Upon entering CHARGE MODE, the conditioner 30 is turned off; and thecurrent level, the voltage control, and the polarity are set to low. Atthis point, if the conditioner 30 detects that the recharger assembly22, 24, 26 is no longer attached, the conditioner 30 goes into OFF MODE.If the recharger assembly 22, 24, 26 is properly attached, the batteryis charged until full. While the battery is being charged, theconditioner 30 displays a blinking legend “CHARGING”. When the batteryis fully charged, the conditioner 30 displays a blinking legend “DONECHARGING”.

[0083] Although the present invention has been described in terms of thepreferred embodiment above, numerous modifications and/or additions tothe above-described preferred embodiments would be readily apparent toone skilled in the art. Thus, by way of example and not of limitation,the acid pH treatment has a preferred pH level of approximately 6;however, the pH level may generally in the range of about 4 or 5 toabout 7. As another example, the alkaline pH pretreatment has apreferred pH level of approximately 8 pH; however, the pH level of thepretreatment may be in the general range of about 7 to about 9 or 10.Also, the predetermined time out interval is preferably about tenminutes; however, the interval may generally be in the range ofapproximately five to fifteen minutes. Furthermore, the predeterminedapplication duration is preferably about three minutes; however, theduration may generally be in the range of approximately one to sixminutes. In addition, the preferred LOW current level is approximately0.25 mA (milliamp or a thousandth of an amp); the preferred MEDIUMcurrent level is approximately 0.375 mA; and the preferred HIGH currentlevel is approximately 0.5 mA. However, these current levels may becontinuously varied and may generally be in the range of about 0.01 mAto 1.0 mA. Accordingly, the present invention is not to be limited tothe particular mechanical, electrical, or program steps or embodimentsas shown the drawings and described in detail hereinabove.

[0084] Recharging Assembly

[0085] In one embodiment of the present invention, the skin/hairconditioner 30 has a rechargeable battery for a power source, aspreviously mentioned above. In this embodiment, the skin/hairconditioning system further includes the aforementioned rechargerassembly having a low voltage power supply 26 connected to a rechargermount 22 by wires 24. A rechargeable battery is contained inside thehousing 32 around a lower portion of the skin/hair conditioner 30. Thebattery may be implemented by the use of two commercially available AAsize NiCad batteries. These batteries may be permanently connected inseries and shrink wrapped.

[0086] When the rechargeable batteries for the skin/hair conditioner 30are low, the skin/hair conditioner 30 is placed on the recharging mount22 with the power supply 26 plugged into a conventional 115 voltalternating current supply. When the skin/hair conditioner 30 isproperly mounted into the recharger mount 22, power is supplied to theconditioner, and the batteries are recharged. Preferably, the skin/hairconditioner 30 includes electrical contacts 42 that engage matingelectrical contacts 44 on the recharger mount 22. However, the contacts42 on the skin/hair conditioner 30 may be retaining terminal screws forholding the two principal portions forming the sealed housing for theconditioner 30 together. Alternatively, separate mating terminals may beemployed or juxtaposed coils in the mount 22 and the skin/hairconditioner unit 30 may be used to transfer charging power to theconditioner 30. Additionally, the alphanumeric display 52, which may bea liquid crystal display (LCD), is visible when the skin/hairconditioner 14 is properly positioned on the mount 20. Appearing on thedisplay 52 is a blinking legend “LOW BATTERY” when recharging is needed.During charging, a blinking legend “CHARGING” appears. Following fullrecharging, a blinking legend “DONE CHARGING” is displayed.

[0087] In this embodiment using a rechargeable battery, such as lithiumion and nickel cadmium, the microprocessor can determine whether thebattery is charging or is fully charged. Since the microprocessordetects the charge status of the battery, the microprocessor can in turninform the user of the charge status by displaying either “CHARGING” or“DONE CHARGING” via the alphanumeric display 52.

[0088]FIGS. 6 through 9 are drawings directed to one illustrativeembodiment of the depressible latch and slot arrangements 56 mentionedhereinabove as applied to the various interface conductors. In FIG. 6the shoulder 102 separates the front end portion 104 of the unit 30 fromthe body 106 thereof. The latch member 108 protrudes laterally from thefront portion 104 and is slanted to readily mate with the recess 110 ofone of the interface conductors of applicators 50 (see FIG. 8A). Theother applicators 60 and 70′ have corresponding recesses 110′ and 110″.

[0089] In addition, the pins 112, which are spring loaded toward thepositions shown in FIG. 6 engage the mating pins 114 of the applicators.The springs 118 bias the pins 112 outward so that the pins 112 havetheir outer ends flush with the outer surface of front end 104 of theunit 106. The shoulders or flanges 120 provide stops limiting theoutward movement of the pins 112. Instead of the spring arrangementshown in FIG. 6, the pins 112 may be broader at the outer ends andengage stop flanges at the outer surface; and may have reduced diametershafts with the coil springs around these reduced shafts, to accomplishthe same result.

[0090] When one of the interface conductors or applicators 50, 60 and70′ is mounted onto the front end 104 of unit 30, the pins 114 depressthe pins 112 and compress the coil springs 118. Then, when latch 56 isreleased from slot or recess 110, the springs 118 and pins 112 eject theapplicators 50, 60 or 70′, or facilitate the removal of the applicators.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 9, the latch 108 is at one end of the controlmember 124, which is pivoted at 126. When the other end 128 is depressedby pressure applied to resilient cover 128, the latch 108 is retractedfrom recess 110, and the interface conductor or applicator is loosenedor ejected.

[0092] It is to be understood, of course, that other quick releasemechanisms may be employed instead of the specific latch embodimentdescribed hereinabove. Incidentally, with the front end 104 of unit 30being formed of insulating plastic, the electric current is supplied tothe interface conductors 50, 60 and 70 through one or both of the pins114 which constitute front end electrodes.

[0093] Referring now to FIGS. 10 and 11 of the drawings, the basichousing 202 is generally cylindrical in configuration, and has a frontelectrode or interface conductor 204 which is generally spherical inshape. Batteries may be replaced through the screw-on cap 206.

[0094] The hand engaging electrode 208 is on one side of the housing202, and the visual display 210 is on the other side thereof. The switch212 is employed to perform the functions of switch 59 in FIGS. 2 and 3of the drawings.

[0095]FIG. 12 shows an alternative front end electrode or interfaceconductor which has a spherical surface but extends for approximately ahemisphere, instead of the greater extent of the electrode 204. Theelectrode 222 is primarily intended to engage more localized areas suchas around the eyes, or on blemishes, while the electrode 204 is intendedfor other areas such as the lips.

[0096] The interface conductors 204 and 222 may be removably secured tothe housing 202 in any desired manner, such as by a snap latch, or byrelatively coarse threads 224 as shown in FIG. 12. A snap-on latch asshown in FIG. 9 could also be employed, with interfitting or matingedges on the other side of the interface conductors.

[0097]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a compact housing 232 with a knob234 for easy gripping, so that the configuration may be considered toresemble a door knob. Visible in FIG. 13 are the display 236 and themode switch 238. The hand engaging electrode 235 extend around the knob234.

[0098] A large, generally flat electrode 240 is shown in FIGS. 14 and15. Rounded bumps 241 may be provided, or a relative flat electrode asshown at 242 in FIG. 16, may be alternatively and selectively employed.A latching mechanism similar to that of FIG. 9 may be used, with thelatch release button 244 shown in FIG. 14. The interface conductors 240and 242 may have interfitting edges at one end of their ovalconfigurations, and a latch at the other end. A retaining hook or member243 may be provided at one end of electrode 242 (with a similar hook orelectrode 240); and another hook or retaining member 246 is provided atthe other end. The release member 244 is coupled to retract a springbiased retaining member when 244 is depressed, in a manner similar tomembers 108 and 120 of FIG. 9, as noted above.

[0099] Incidentally, the embodiments of FIGS. 13-16 are particularlyintended for treatment of broad areas of the body such as the thighs andbuttocks.

[0100] Regarding dimensions, the housings are made to comfortably fit inthe users hand or fingers. The basic housing of FIG. 2, for example isabout 4{fraction (1/2)} inches long by 2{fraction (1/2)} inches wide, byabout 1 inch thick. The cylindrical housing of FIGS. 10 and 11 wouldhave a diameter of between about {fraction (3/8)} inch and about aninch, and a length preferably between about 4 and 6 inches. The ovalelectrodes of FIGS. 15 and 16 would preferably have a longer dimensionof between about two and three inches. However, the foregoing dimensionsare merely preferred, and deviations from these preferred dimensions areto be expected.

[0101] Concerning construction, the interface conductors are inert andnon-porous and have an outer surface which is conductive and corrosionresistant. A preferred embodiment uses an injection molded plastic suchas polycarbonate, chrome plated. The interface conductors may also beformed entirely of conductive material either metal or conductiveplastic, for examples. The outermost end of each interface conductor isrounded, and this may be defined relative to a plane through theassembly parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the conditionerassembly wherein the cross-sectional configuration is rounded, forsmooth engagement with the anatomy of the user. The interface connectorsshould also have a smoothly curved or rounded extended area, comparableto the area of the front end of the housing.

[0102] Concerning one minor matter, it is noted that the interfaceconductor 70′ of FIG. 8C differs slightly from the interface conductor70 of FIG. 4A, 4B and 4C in that three rounded nodules are providedinstead of the two nodules in the embodiment of FIG. 4A, 4B and 4C; andthe reference numeral 70′ is therefore used in reference to FIG. 8C.

[0103] Although the skin/hair conditioner 30 and the skin/hairconditioning system 20 are described above with respect to a user, theconditioner 30 and system 20 and the other disclosed embodiments, may beoperated by a single user on his or her self and, alternatively, by asecond party. For example, the disclosed conditioner systems are ideallysuitable for use in salons where a stylist applies the conditioner 30 toan individual. Those of ordinary skill in the art will be aware of othervariations that are within the scope of the claimed invention, which isto be measured by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A hand-held skin/hair conditioner comprising: ahousing having a front end and a hand-engaging surface; a front endelectrode connected to said front end of said housing; a hand-engagingelectrode connected to said hand-engaging surface of said housing; apower source contained within said housing; an electrical systemconnected to said power source, said hand-engaging electrode, and saidfront electrode for conditioning and controlling current supplied tosaid hand-engaging electrode and said front end electrode; at leastfirst and second interchangeable interface conductors selectivelyattachable to said front end electrode and electrically connectable withsaid front end electrode, said first and second interface conductorshaving significantly different physical configurations for compatibleengagement with different parts of the anatomy; and wherein said housingis also configured for ease and convenience in treating various parts ofthe anatomy.
 2. A hand-held skin/hair conditioner as defined in claim 1wherein said housing has an elongated flattened configuration.
 3. Ahand-held skin/hair conditioner as defined in claim 1 wherein saidhousing has an elongated, substantially cylindrical configuration.
 4. Ahand-held skin/hair conditioner as defined in claim 1 wherein saidhousing has a compact shape similar to that of a doorknob.
 5. Ahand-held skin/hair conditioner as defined in claim 1 wherein at leastone of said interface conductors has a generally sphericalconfiguration.
 6. A hand-held skin/hair conditioner as defined in claim1 wherein at least one of said interface conductors has a generally flatconfiguration with rounded bumps thereon.
 7. A hand-held skin/hairconditioner as defined in claim 1 wherein at least one of said interfaceconductors is generally flat with rounded edges.
 8. A hand-heldskin/hair conditioner system comprising: a housing having a front endand a hand-engaging surface; a front end electrode connected to saidfront end of said housing; a hand-engaging electrode connected to saidhand-engaging surface of said housing; a power source contained withinsaid housing; an electrical system connected to said power source, sandhand-engaging electrode, and said front electrode for conditioning andcontrolling current supplied to said hand-engaging electrode and saidfront end electrode; an interface conductor mounted on the front end ofsaid housing and electrically connected with said front end electrode;said interface connector being inert, non-porous, and having anoutermost end which is smoothly rounded and has an extended area forengagement with the anatomy of the user; and said interface electrodebeing generally spherical in configuration.
 9. A hand-held skin/hairconditioner system comprising: a housing having a front end and ahand-engaging surface; a front end electrode connected to said front endof said housing; a hand-engaging electrode connected to saidhand-engaging surface of said housing a power source contained withinsaid housing; an electrical system connected to said power source, sandhand-engaging electrode, and said front electrode for conditioning andcontrolling current supplied to said hand-engaging electrode and saidfront end electrode; an interface conductor mounted on the front end ofsaid housing and electrically connected with said front end electrode;said interface connector being inert, non-porous, and having anoutermost end which is smoothly rounded and has an extended area forengagement with the anatomy of the user; and said housing having agenerally cylindrical configuration.
 10. A hand-held skin/hairconditioner system comprising: a housing having a front end and ahand-engaging surface; a front end electrode connected to said front endof said housing; a hand-engaging electrode connected to saidhand-engaging surface of said housing a power source contained withinsaid housing; an electrical system connected to said power source, sandhand-engaging electrode, and said front electrode for conditioning andcontrolling current supplied to said hand-engaging electrode and saidfront end electrode; an interface conductor mounted on the front end ofsaid housing and electrically connected with said front end electrode;said interface connector being inert, non-porous, and having anoutermost end which is smoothly rounded and has an extended area forengagement with the anatomy of the user; and said housing having acompact shape similar to that of a door knob.
 11. A hand-held skin/hairconditioner system comprising: a housing having a front end and ahand-engaging surface; a front end electrode connected to said front endof said housing; a hand-engaging electrode connected to saidhand-engaging surface of said housing a power source contained withinsaid housing; an electrical system connected to said power source, sandhand-engaging electrode, and said front electrode for conditioning andcontrolling current supplied to said hand-engaging electrode and saidfront end electrode; an interface conductor mounted on the front end ofsaid housing and electrically connected with said front end electrode;said interface connector being inert, non-porous, and having anoutermost end which is smoothly rounded and has an extended area forengagement with the anatomy of the user; and said interface electrodebeing generally flat with rounded bumps thereon.
 12. A hand-heldskin/hair conditioner system comprising: a housing having a front endand a hand-engaging surface; a front end electrode connected to saidfront end of said housing; a hand-engaging electrode connected to saidhand-engaging surface of said housing a power source contained withinsaid housing; an electrical system connected to said power source, sandhand-engaging electrode, and said front electrode for conditioning andcontrolling current supplied to said hand-engaging electrode and saidfront end electrode; an interface conductor mounted on the front end ofsaid housing and electrically connected with said front end electrode;said interface connector being inert, non-porous, and having anoutermost end which is smoothly rounded and has an extended area forengagement with the anatomy of the user; and said housing having anelongated substantially flattened configuration.
 13. A skin or hairtreatment method comprising the steps of: selecting a desired anatomicaltreatment mode for the hair, the face or the body; selecting a treatmentconditioner unit equipped with one of several alternative attributes,consistent with the selected portion of the anatomy, wherein thetreatment conditioner unit includes: (a) a housing having a front endand a hand-engaging surface; (b) a front end electrode connected to saidfront end of said housing; said front end electrode having a specialshape which is configured to engage the selected part of the body to betreated; (c) a hand-engaging electrode connected to said hand-engagingsurface of said housing; (d) a power source contained within saidhousing; (e) an electrical system connected to said power source, saidhand-engaging electrode, and said front electrode for supplying currentto said hand-engaging electrode and said front end electrode; selectinga consumable treatment product compatible with the selected treatment;selecting the polarity of current flow; and proceeding to apply thetreatment consumable to the selected part of the anatomy, and continuingwith the selected treatment involving current flow through the selectedportion of the anatomy.
 14. A treatment method as defined in claim 13further comprising the step of measuring the resistance when theelectrode is engaging the selected portion of the body, and setting thecurrent flow to the desired level in accordance with the measuredresistance.
 15. A treatment method as defined in claim 13 furthercomprising the step of providing a plurality of differently shapedelectrodes and attaching a selected one of said electrodes to thetreatment conditioner unit.
 16. A treatment method as defined in claim13 including the step of selecting the time of treatment.
 17. Atreatment method as defined in claim 16 further comprising the step ofautomatically shutting off current flow after the selected time oftreatment has expired.
 18. A treatment method as defined in claim 16wherein the selection of the time of treatment is limited to the timewhen the electrode is engaging the portion of the anatomy being treatedand current is flowing, and excludes time when the current is notflowing.
 19. A treatment method as defined in claim 13 wherein twodifferent consumables are employed.
 20. A treatment method as defined inclaim 13 wherein the polarity of current flow is reversed in the courseof the treatment.
 21. A treatment method as defined in claim 13 whereina plurality of treatment conditioner units are provided, with each unithaving a different electrode shape.
 22. A treatment method as defined inclaim 13 further comprising providing an audio signal indicating thestatus of the treatment.
 23. A treatment method as defined in claim 13further comprising actuating a vibrator in said conditioner unit.
 24. Askin or hair treatment method comprising the steps of: selecting adesired anatomical treatment mode for the hair, the face or the body;selecting a treatment conditioner unit consistent with the selectedportion of the anatomy, wherein the treatment conditioner unit includes:(a) a housing having a front end and a hand-engaging surface; (b) afront end electrode connected to said front end of said housing; saidfront end electrode having a special shape which is configured to engagethe selected part of the body to be treated; (c) a hand-engagingelectrode connected to said hand-engaging surface of said housing; (d) apower source contained within said housing; (e) an electrical systemconnected to said power source, said hand-engaging electrode, and saidfront electrode for supplying current to said hand-engaging electrodeand said front end electrode; selecting a consumable treatment productcompatible with the selected treatment; selecting the polarity ofcurrent flow; selecting the time of treatment; and proceeding to applythe treatment consumable to the selected portion of the anatomy andcontinuing with the selected treatment involving current flow throughthe selected portion of the anatomy.
 25. A treatment method as definedin claim 24 further comprising the step of measuring the resistance whenthe electrode is engaging the selected portion of the body, and settingthe current flow to the desired level in accordance with the measuredresistance.
 26. A treatment method as defined in claim 24 furthercomprising the step of providing a plurality of differently shapedelectrodes and attaching a selected one of said electrodes to thetreatment conditioner unit.
 27. A treatment method as defined in claim24 wherein a plurality of treatment conditioner units are provided, witheach unit having a different electrode shape.
 28. A skin or hairtreatment system for implementing a selected anatomical treatment modecomprising: a treatment conditioner unit equipped with one of severalalternative attributes, consistent with the selected portion of theanatomy, wherein the treatment conditioner unit includes: (a) a housinghaving a front end and a hand-engaging surface; (b) a front endelectrode connected to said front end of said housing; said front endelectrode having a special shape which is configured to engage theselected part of the body to be treated; (c) a hand-engaging electrodeconnected to said hand-engaging surface of said housing; (d) a powersource contained within said housing; (e) an electrical system connectedto said power source, said hand-engaging electrode, and said frontelectrode for supplying current to said hand-engaging electrode and saidfront end electrode; and (f) said electrical system including circuitryfor selecting the polarity of current flow.
 29. A treatment system asdefined in claim 28 wherein said electrical system includes circuitryfor measuring the resistance when the electrode is engaging the selectedportion of the body, and setting the current flow to the desired levelin accordance with the measured resistance.
 30. A treatment system asdefined in claim 28 further comprising a plurality of differently shapedelectrodes for selectively attaching to the treatment conditioner unit.31. A treatment system as defined in claim 28 wherein a plurality oftreatment conditioner units are provided, with each unit having adifferent electrode shape.